‘Terminal phase’: Couples hit point of no return two years before actual breakup

The researchers say couples who eventually separated had a relationship satisfaction level that declined gradually over several years before a significant drop. — CHRISTIN KLOSE/dpa

New research into relationships has shown that couples who break up reach a point of no return as much as two years before their relationship formally ends.

In these couples, relationship satisfaction gradually declines, and then, about one to two years before the breakup, there is a sharp drop, after which there is no coming back for the ­relationship, explains Janina Buhler, one of two authors of the study.